Web-based training intervention to increase physical activity level and improve health for adults with intellectual disability.
S Fjellstrom, E Hansen, J Hölttä and 3 others
PMID 36217301WHAT IT FOUND
After 12 weeks of home web-based exercise, 22 adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability attended 83% of sessions, reported more activity, had lower fat mass and waist circumference, and showed no quality-of-life change.
Key findings
0122 participants completed the study, attending a mean of 30 of 36 planned sessions, with a mean adherence rate of 83%.
02Fat mass decreased by a mean of 1.9 ± 2.4 kg (P < 0.001), and waist circumference decreased by a mean of 3 ± 4.8 cm (P = 0.009).
03Reported physical activity increased significantly (P = 0.03), but quality of life did not change significantly (P = 0.26).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study had no control group or randomisation, so the changes cannot be attributed to the training alone. Only 22 of the 28 volunteers completed the study, and 4 dropped out during the intervention while 2 more declined follow-up. Physical activity was measured by questionnaire with caregiver assistance, not by an objective device. The study took place during COVID-19 restrictions, which may have changed attendance, leisure opportunities and other behaviours. Food and drink intake was not controlled, which may have affected body composition measurements. The follow-up was only 12 weeks, so long-term effects were not shown.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the Mid Sweden University agreement with the Municipality of Östersund, and the authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that web-based training caused the fat mass or waist circumference reductions. The study was a single-group before-and-after programme with no control group, and it took place during pandemic restrictions, so other changes over time cannot be separated from the intervention.